NPAC is delighted to be working alongside other partners on a new era of cultural ambition in Stoke-on-Trent.
Launched on 6 December 2023 with an event which saw leaders from across the UK’s business, civic, education, culture and creative worlds join philanthropists and diaspora from Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire at the Victoria and Albert (V&A) museum in South Kensington, London to hail an exciting new era in The Potteries’ cultural life and the launch of Stoke’s bid for World Craft City status.
Hosted by London’s Stoke-born Deputy Mayor for Culture and Creative Industries, Justine Simons OBE, and the Director of the V&A, Dr Tristram Hunt, a former MP in the city, the aim of the evening was to shine a spotlight on Stoke-on-Trent’s newfound confidence as a leading city of crafts, artistry, innovation and industry.
The event, organised jointly by Stoke Creates and NPAC, brought together members of the Made in Stoke diaspora network and invited guests to hear about Stoke-on-Trent’s rich philanthropic tradition as the city officially launches its bid to the World Crafts Council for Stoke-on-Trent to be a World Craft City for Ceramics. Run by the World Craft Councils, the World Craft City programme recognises cities of craft excellence. If successful, Stoke-on-Trent would join a global network of over 50 craft cities from Trinidad to Jaipur to promote cultural, economic, and social contribution around the world.
Arts Council England announced their commitment of £100,000 as part of its investment in priority places, where they want to increase their support and the opportunities for creative engagement. The number of National Portfolio Organisations in Stoke-on-Trent, which receive regular funding from the Arts Council, has increased from three to eight. The £100,000 new funding announced on 6 December will enable Stoke Creates to participate in the Arts for Impact campaign led by the Big Give.
Key parts of the new strategy:
- City of Stoke-on-Trent declares aspirations to be a World Craft City
- Launch of the ‘Stoke Promise’ to connect every local child with the city’s heritage through high quality arts and culture
- Arts Council England awards £100,000 to The Potteries as part of its commitment to invest more in Stoke-on-Trent as one of its Priority Places and to support philanthropic giving
- Investment of £1.2 million to launch Cascade – an ambitious 10 year programme to develop Cultural Action Zones to re animate public spaces
- New matched funding programme to support arts and culture in the city in partnership with New Philanthropy for Arts & Culture and the Big Give
- Made in Stoke Diaspora Network reaches 500 members gifting time, talent and treasure to the city
Photos by Jenny Harper Photography